Sunday, February 28, 2010

Canniversary Reflections & Giveaway Winner

Well darlings it was one year ago this week that I was canned due to a corporate lay off at my marketing job. I had been working at the company for 4 years and had just recently graduated college and felt like I could finally begin my career, my life, everything. Suddenly, after just moving into my new place in the city for only 2 months, I was searching for employment. To make the situation even better, I found out that I could not receive unemployment because my company was a non-profit...awesome.

*photo compliments of We Heart It via Polarnna on Flickr*

Well, I went home that day picked up my latest Vogue Magazine and sent a resume and cover letter to EVERY company visible from cover to cover. The next day I went to the fabric store and bought the materials to begin making the designs I had in my head, and after that weekend Embellished was born. Little did I know that neither a job, or signs of my shop taking off, would show up for still a few months. Being unemployed is very hard, especially when you are used to being in control of things and very independent. It certainly humbled me and I learned just how unbelievably amazing my friends and family are. I mean, it can literally bring me tears when I think how blessed I am for the people in my life who supported me through such a hard time. Whether it was my parents helping out with a meal or filling my gas tank, or my friends treating me to a Girls' Night Out, I was just constantly amazed.

When nothing was opening up, and then this opportunity to go study French in FRANCE fell in my lap, I really felt in my heart like now was the only time I would ever have to seize such a great opportunity...and I was right. After college and before serious boyfriends and a serious career, this year was literally my only shot to live my dream. And you know what? It has been really hard, and from time to time I still can't believe I am over here, but I am SO glad I did it. I have grown so much as a person, and am even more confidant in who I am, and of course my French is becoming better each day and that is really exciting to see.

*photo compliments of We Heart It via Emma Cherry on Flickr*

This further solidifies my steadfast belief that life is so fleeting and you really have to fully enjoy every period you are in, while you are in it. Sure I wouldn't want to go back to high school, but I had a fantastic time when I was there, was involved in too many groups to count and made some really great friends, some of whom I am still able to keep in touch with now and then. College of course is amazing; finally spreading your wings and being taken seriously, Greek Life, and the joys of many late nights of cram sessions and parties and not having a class until 2pm! Of course it is irresponsible to lose yourself and any direction, but is as just as insulting to always dwell on the past or only focus on the uncontrollable future when you are missing the best moments right in front of you.

*photo compliments of Set the World on Fire Photography*

We are never promised tomorrow so grasp today and squeeze everything you can out of it, living in fear will only keep you in a shell, letting yourself go is not only easier to breathe but when you look back you will be overwhelmed at the amazing things you have been blessed with experiencing in your life.

How have you been blessed mes cheries?




And speakings of blessings lets announce the winner of the wonderful Emelia Jane Photography Giveaway...

True Random Number Generator 6Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats Pin of Sensorimotor I hope you enjoy Embellishing your home with your favorite stunning print!

Be sure to keep checking Emelia Jane Photography, there are beautiful things for everyone!

New Look: Sweet Faerie Designs

Readers of this blog will notice the new look, all courtesy of Carrie at Sweet Faerie Designs.  Carrie is amazing -- professional, quick and totally creative.  I can't thank her enough for giving my little blog such a gorgeous makeover.  You can also check out her blog here.



Of course, this new look would not have been possible without the wonderful Helena of A Diary of Lovely and the giveaway I was lucky enough to win on her blog.  Helena was one of my first friends in the blog world and I can't say enough great things about her.  Not only is Helena kind, but she also has one of the best blogs around. For anyone who hasn't read it yet I would suggest you run--don't walk--to check out A Diary of Lovely.

So, the Olympics are over.  Congrats to the U.S. for the most medals over all, and a big thank you to the Canadian athletes for all their passion and talent--and for bringing home the most gold medals of any country. Of course, the gold medal game between the Canadian and U.S. hockey teams was a big part of my day.  Parise's goal with only seconds left--holy heart attack, Batman. I'm so glad the men pulled it together for the win.

The true North strong and free...



"To the athletes of theses games, we say you have made us proud. These were excellent and very friendly games." - Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee

Photos:  Toronto Sun

As for the closing ceremonies, there were some funny parts, but I didn't catch the whole thing, mostly because a girl can only take so many giant beavers and flying moose.  I did spot Alanis, though, and I was pretty blown away.  She looked great!  Kind of like Elisabetta Canalis.  (Okay, this isn't the best picture, but on TV she looked good. Beautiful jewellery, too.)
 
 
And did you catch the teaser for the 2014 games in Sochi?  Natalia looked beautiful.


Made with love


How darling is this illustration from my dear friend Karen?

Le tour de Eiffel


Limited edition Eiffel Tower Longchamp tote.

Pothole gardens


Nashville has a plethora of unfriendly potholes scattered about thanks to a terrible winter. British artist
Pete Dungey plants gardens in the unsightly potholes, "If we planted one of these in every hole," he says, "it would be a like forest in the road."

(Via
A Cup of Jo)

week 29.




1. this picture is everything i adore.
photos, simplicity & paris.












2. spring, i cannot
wait for your arrival.
i love shorts so much-
especially cute
ones like this pair!













3. sweet embroidery
like this motivates
me to start sewing
and embroidering more!









4. i am absolutely
smitten with these










5. i can't decide
which i fancy more:
the wallpaper
or the yellow boots!
ok, i just love them
both!







xo-

Kate and Andy


Great little article on one of my favorite New York couples.

(Via
Kitsune Noir)

Furs


I almost bought a vintage rabbit fur over the weekend. I decided against it at the last minute but now I'm re-thinking my decision. Furs are fun.

(All photos via Mr. Newton)

THAKOON FALL 2010











THAKOON FALL 2010











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